The impact of the gig economy on young workers’ long-term health has come under scrutiny in a new research paper linking gig work to higher risk of alcohol-related illness.
According to a report published by UPI, a Swedish study published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine suggests there’s a higher potential for health risks associated with unpredictable gig employment.
The study, which included nearly 340,000 participants born between 1973 and 1976, categorized employment status into four groups:
- Precarious gig work
- Long-term unemployment
- Substandard jobs
- Standard full-time employment
Researchers found that individuals in precarious gig work had a 43% higher risk of developing alcohol-related illnesses compared to those with standard full-time jobs.
Long-term unemployed individuals faced an even greater risk, with nearly double the likelihood of experiencing alcohol-related health problems.
According to the report, “To deal with the increased stress of being unemployed, unhealthy coping strategies might be initiated, such as increased alcohol consumption, which in turn affects the likelihood of securing employment. To escape unemployment, several young people take the first job offered, which is generally more precarious with less security, lower wages and longer hours.”
Workers in substandard jobs, characterized by lower pay, longer hours, and less job security, had a 15% increased risk compared to full-time employees.
The findings suggest that young adults in unstable work environments may turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, potentially forming habits that lead to future physical and mental health issues. The data shows the importance of focusing on mental health and stress management for young workers in non-traditional job roles.
The researchers suggest that any form of stable employment, even if substandard, may be more beneficial to workers’ health than gig work or unemployment.
The gig economy continues to expand globally. Therefore, addressing the potential health risks associated with precarious employment will increasingly become important, too.
